Football for Climate Justice’s Commitment to Halving UK Food Waste by 2030
Food waste is a significant global challenge which troubles our society. Approximately more than 931 million tonnes of food are wasted annually, which leads to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, around 9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted each year, costing the economy £20 billion and generating 8 million tonnes of CO₂. The UK government is trying to tackle the issue of food waste and it enforced targets to reduce it across the supply chain, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2030.
The Northampton Town Community Trust’s Cobblers Tackle Food Waste project has been awarded the prestigious Fan Engagement Action of the Year at the 2024 BASIS Sustainable Sports Awards. This accolade recognizes the club’s impactful efforts in community engagement and sustainability, positioning them among top industry leaders in the movement.
About the Project
Launched in March 2023, the Cobblers Tackle Food Waste project uses the unifying power of football to address food waste in Northamptonshire. The initiative is built around educating the local community on the environmental impact of food waste and encouraging collective action to reduce it. Northampton Town FC has collaborated with Planet League and Final Third to run tournaments and engage fans, schools, and households in sustainability activities.
The project includes educational workshops, media campaigns, and matchday activations. To date, over 1,200 households have participated, and primary schools across the region have been visited to teach pupils about reducing food waste. Remarkably, at Millway Primary School, the initiative achieved a 47% reduction in food waste across all school years during the first two tournaments.
A Proud Achievement
“Winning the 2024 Fan Engagement Action of the Year award is a proud moment for everyone at Northampton Town Football Club. It highlights the incredible efforts of our staff and fans, who have come together to make a difference for both the club and the environment. Engaging our fans and the wider community in Cobblers Tackle Food Waste has been central to the strategy of our sustainability work. We’re excited that this recognition not only acknowledges our progress but also motivates us to further our sustainability initiatives in the seasons ahead.”
Phillip Smith, CEO of Northampton Town FC Community Trust
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